Michael Brian Darrell-Hicks Bio
Michael Brian Darrell-Hicks (born November 13, 1997) is an American professional baseball pitcher currently affiliated with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. He made his Major League Baseball debut with the Los Angeles Angels in April 2025. Darrell-Hicks signed with the Angels as an undrafted free agent in July 2022 after playing college baseball at Western Kentucky University and Jacksonville University. His professional career has seen him progress through the minor leagues before earning his first major league call-up.
Early Life and Background
Darrell-Hicks grew up in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and attended South Warren High School, where he graduated in 2016. During his high school years, he developed his skills as a baseball pitcher, setting the foundation for his future career in the sport. His upbringing in Kentucky provided him with opportunities to compete at the high school level while honing his craft on the diamond.
Following his high school graduation, Darrell-Hicks continued his baseball and academic journey at the collegiate level. He enrolled at Western Kentucky University, where he played for the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers baseball team for three seasons. His performance in college baseball helped him develop into a more polished pitcher and caught the attention of professional scouts despite going undrafted in the MLB Draft.
Path to Professional Baseball
After his time with the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, Darrell-Hicks transferred to Jacksonville University for his final collegiate season. At Jacksonville, he played for the Jacksonville Dolphins baseball program, gaining valuable experience against high-level collegiate competition. This transition to a new program demonstrated his ability to adapt and continue developing his pitching abilities at a competitive level.
Despite going undrafted in the 2022 MLB Draft, Darrell-Hicks continued pursuing his professional baseball dreams. His perseverance paid off when he signed with the Los Angeles Angels as an undrafted free agent on July 26, 2022. This signing marked the beginning of his professional career and opened the door to the minor league system, where he would work toward reaching the major leagues.
Michael Brian Darrell-Hicks Career
Minor League Development (2022–2024)
After signing with the Los Angeles Angels organization, Darrell-Hicks began his professional career in the minor leagues. He spent the majority of the 2023 and 2024 seasons with the Rocket City Trash Pandas, the Angels’ Double-A affiliate. During this period, he appeared in 33 games, including three starts, demonstrating versatility in both starting and relief roles.
Across his time with Rocket City, Darrell-Hicks compiled a 6-7 win-loss record while pitching 53 and two-thirds innings. He recorded 58 strikeouts against only 13 walks, showing his ability to miss bats while maintaining solid control. These performances built his credentials as he worked toward an opportunity at the major league level.
Los Angeles Angels (2025)
Darrell-Hicks began the 2025 season with the Salt Lake Bees, the Angels’ Triple-A affiliate. His strong performance at the minor league level earned him a promotion to the major leagues on April 6, 2025. This milestone represented the culmination of his journey from undrafted free agent to MLB player.
He made his Major League Baseball debut on April 11, 2025, against the Houston Astros. Darrell-Hicks appeared in six games for the Angels during his time with the club. He recorded one win while posting a 9.39 earned run average with six strikeouts across seven and two-thirds innings pitched. Following the acquisition of LaMonte Wade Jr., Darrell-Hicks was designated for assignment by the Angels on June 8, 2025.
Pittsburgh Pirates (2025–Present)
On June 13, 2025, Darrell-Hicks was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates, joining their organization. He made one scoreless appearance for the Pirates, recording two strikeouts over two innings pitched. This brief stint demonstrated his ability to contribute at the major league level when called upon.
The Pirates designated Darrell-Hicks for assignment on November 6, 2025. He cleared waivers three days later and was sent outright to the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians, where he will continue his development within the Pirates organization as he works toward earning another opportunity at the major league level.
Pitching Style and Strengths
Darrell-Hicks has shown the ability to work both as a starter and reliever throughout his professional career. His minor league statistics demonstrate strikeout capability, with 58 strikeouts in 53 and two-thirds innings at Double-A, indicating his ability to generate swings and misses. He has displayed solid control, walking only 13 batters during that same stretch, showing discipline in his approach on the mound.
Notable Events and Milestones
The most significant milestone in Darrell-Hicks career came on April 11, 2025, when he made his MLB debut against the Houston Astros. This debut marked the realization of his dream after signing as an undrafted free agent less than three years earlier. His transition from college baseball directly to professional competition, bypassing the draft, represents an uncommon path that highlights his determination and ability to develop into a professional-caliber pitcher.
Michael Brian Darrell-Hicks Career Statistics
Darrell-Hicks has compiled early career statistics across both minor and major league levels. His professional record includes appearances in the Angels and Pirates organizations, with a total of one career major league win. His minor league career shows consistent performance, particularly his time with the Rocket City Trash Pandas where he logged significant innings and strikeout numbers.
Major League Baseball Highlights
Through the 2025 season, Darrell-Hicks has appeared in seven total major league games, recording one win against no losses. He has posted a career earned run average of 7.45 with eight total strikeouts across nine and two-thirds innings. His single season of MLB experience came entirely in 2025, split between the Los Angeles Angels and Pittsburgh Pirates organizations.
Minor League Highlights
At the Double-A level with Rocket City Trash Pandas, Darrell-Hicks established himself as a capable pitcher with 33 appearances over the 2023 and 2024 seasons. His 6-7 record with 58 strikeouts in 53 and two-thirds innings demonstrated his ability to compete against professional hitters. This minor league production served as the foundation for his eventual promotion to the major leagues.
| Level | Games | Record | ERA | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLB | 7 | 1-0 | 7.45 | 8 |
| MiLB (AA) | 33 | 6-7 | – | 58 |
Michael Brian Darrell-Hicks Education
Darrell-Hicks pursued higher education while developing his baseball career, attending three institutions during his collegiate years. He graduated from South Warren High School in Bowling Green, Kentucky, in 2016. His first college stop was Western Kentucky University, where he played three seasons with the Hilltoppers baseball program. He then completed his collegiate career at Jacksonville University, suiting up for the Dolphins for one season.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a breakthrough year for Darrell-Hicks as he reached the Major League Baseball level for the first time. After beginning the season with the Salt Lake Bees, he earned his promotion to the Angels in early April. His debut season in the majors featured seven total appearances between two organizations following his waiver claim by Pittsburgh in June.
While his 9.39 ERA with the Angels indicated early struggles adjusting to major league competition, his ability to earn a win during his time with Los Angeles demonstrated his competitive nature. His scoreless appearance with the Pirates showed he could contribute when given the opportunity. The season provided invaluable experience at the highest level of professional baseball.
Looking forward, Darrell-Hicks continues his baseball career within the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, currently assigned to the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians. His journey from undrafted free agent to MLB pitcher showcases his resilience and commitment to reaching his professional goals. He remains a developing pitcher with the potential to establish himself as a reliable major league contributor through continued work and refinement of his craft.